Hi Cecil5 and welcome.

I don't have young kids anymore but three I know of, one of which is my grandson, go absolutley wild after eating chocolate. I don't know if it is triggered by sugar (most likely) or cocoa or some random 'E' number but apparently a lot of hyperactivity is triggered by foods, so in the abscence of any other obvious medical condition it might be an area worth investigation.

Good luck

I don't know if this might help but if ever I have slid into a down patch, I find my two beautiful kids try to compensate by being very up and jolly and frankly it is a level of energy that makes me want to run away.  It took me a bit of time to work out the sequence and so now of course I have to do a lot more talking to them (11 and 7) and tell them that I am feeling a bit Eeyore and get them talking about how me being down makes them feel - often scared and worried - the conversation was hard in the beginning but after several years my lovely kids are less worried and calmer.

Idon't know what your child is displaying but maybe you could have a chat and ask him or here what is happening.  When words don't work if your child is too young I found my daughter could explain feelings by talking about what colour she was and my son would talk about what character he felt like from his books.  Maybe your child is just worried about you and feeling a bit scared.  

I don't think I have the answers but can only share what has worked with me - I also think that some of the comments about food are very real (and scary).   Have you checked with your local government authority about community groups and services for single parents or single father groups?  I am from Australia and most local governments provide these contacts.  I don't know if you child is school aged or pre school but if you talk to their carer or teacher you might get some clues to help you think it through.

The other thing that I remember a friend telling me is that as a single parent he often tried to compensate for the absence of his children's mother and turned himself into a physical and mental wreck trying to do the work of two.  He told me he wished someone had told him that one person can only do what one person can do and not to aim too high.

 Sending good vibes your way!